[Figure 4] The starting point for shot sf02.

As a starting point, I’m using the last frame from shot sf01. That gives me the generic starting position of the character and should match closely enough for this first phase. I also need to adjust the chair position. It wasn’t placed properly in the layout scene. Figure 4 shows the initial frame.

The first order of business is a pause at the beginning of the shot. For the first half of this shot, I’m going to continue with my pattern of using the feet and COG controllers. I’ve selected both sets of IK handles and generated a key at frame 12, exactly like frame 1. Remember, some modifications might be necessary depending on the curve type you have set as default. The standard curve setting will probably generate a bubble between these two frames that might cause unwanted movement.

The next step is roughing in the character sitting down in his chair and sliding toward the desk. I placed keys at frames 37, 45 and 53. That provided 25 frames to make two steps (the move between frame 12 and frame 37), 8 frames of anticipation before sitting (holding the pose between frame 37 and frame 45) and 8 frames to land in the chair (the move from frame 45 to frame 53). Figure 5 shows the sequence placement.

[Figure 5] The character approaches, anticipates and then sits in the chair.

Now that the character is seated in the chair, I need to slide him toward the desk and add the beats as he begins to work on the computer. The choice of controllers needs to be modified at this point. It will be necessary to add the chair control and the right and left hands. It would be difficult to portray the character working on his machine without the use of arms.

The character is currently sitting down at frame 53 in the animation. I need to place a key on the chair controller at that moment before I begin moving it around. The next pose occurs at frame 65. This provides 12 frames for the character to spin toward the desk. Frame 75 should be enough time for the character to position himself against the desk. Keys are placed on the chair, feet, COG and hands at that location. Figure 6 shows the progression.

[Figure 6] The spin and approach to the desk.